Report of Prime Minister Sergei Rumas

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has met with
Prime Minister Sergei Rumas to discuss economic situation, budget planning for
the forthcoming fiscal year, the preparation for the 2nd European
Games 2019, the state and prospects of the Belarusian football.

“I want you to tell me briefly about our economic
situation this year taking into consideration existing and potential
challenges. Naturally, this includes finances. Secondly, I want to discuss
planning for the next year. I hear a lot from mass media that you allegedly
have an argument with some former government members regarding the budgeting
period, in particular, whether the budget should be planned for two-three or
even five years ahead. What do you and the government think about it?
Nevertheless, while we are discussing some longer periods, we have to face
2019. What is the government working on now?” Alexander Lukashenko asked.

The head of state said he would like to discuss
matters related to the formation and structure of the government. “Maybe, there
are some proposals on restructuring the government and its hierarchy? I would
like to hear out your take on that. If I am not ready to decide on it today, we
will scrutinize the matter and take decisions later,” the Belarusian leader
said.

Alexander Lukashenko also highlighted the preparations
for the 2nd European Games 2019. “The day before yesterday I saw Mr
Kocijancic [President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic]. We
discussed the issues regarding the forthcoming European Games. Once again I
would like to warn against big spending, as was the case, let's say, in
Azerbaijan (we do not have that kind of money). There is no need for that. We,
as I said then, should win hearts by sincerity and openness of our state and
our nation and hold beautiful European Games. How are the things on this front?”
Alexander Lukashenko asked.

Given the fact that Sergei Rumas also heads the
Football Federation of Belarus, the president asked about the state of affairs
and the development prospects of this sport: “Football is people's game, the
most massive sport that attracts very many people. But the national team has
given us no reasons to rejoice. Still what are the prospects here?”

For his part, Sergei Rumas noted that all newly
appointed members of the government immediately got down to work. “Today the
government functions in a routine mode working on certain tasks. I am ready to
report on the economic performance in January-July this year and the
projections regarding the key positions for the rest of the year,” he noted.

“You correctly noted that today the main task of the
government is to prepare the forecast for 2019. At a government meeting last
week we reviewed the draft forecast, the draft budget and changes to the Tax
Code coupled, of course, with the monetary policy guidelines,” the prime
minister noted.